Newer starter work on older engine

[dan2744]

Hey guys, I have a boat with an original 1979 mercruiser 260 and I'm having a terrible time putting the starter from my 1986 mercruiser 260 on. I noticed that the mouse thing holes on older starter are not off set but block still has holes. It's a pia.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your block is drilled for both starters. Chevy has two starter configurations. one for a 153 tooth flywheel (10" clutch), and one for a 168 tooth flywheel (11" clutch)

the old starters are direct drive and weigh 35#
the new starters are PMGR and weigh 11#

if your starter is staggered, your new starter should be stagered

if your starter is straight across, your new starter should be straight across.

its easier than you make it out to be.

 

[dan2744]

Both of them are the small 11 pounders with same bendix. One mounts right up, the other goes in all wonky. I have 4 or 5 of the offset cone starters and one bad straight across mount. I've never seen one not st least mount up.

 

[dan2744]

Same flywheels as well, maybe its hitting something on the guard? Thanks for the reply.